Laurien Berenson
Author of A Pedigree To Die For
About the Author
Disambiguation Notice:
Laurien Berenson also wrote as Laurien Blair.
Series
Works by Laurien Berenson
Associated Works
Canine Crimes: Fifteen Thrilling Original Tales Starring German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Mastifs, Mutts, and Other Daring Dogs (1998) — Contributor — 20 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- Berenson, Laurien
- Legal name
- Berenson, Laurien
- Other names
- Blair, Laurien
- Birthdate
- 1952
- Gender
- female
- Education
- Vassar College (Psychology)
- Occupations
- Breeder/Exhibitor of Miniature Poodles
- Organizations
- Mystery Writers of America
Sisters in Crime
Dog Writers Association of America - Short biography
- Laurien started writing romance novels on 1983 as Laurien Blair, she continued signing romances as Laurien Berenson, and now, she writes mystery novels. She’s most noted for her Melanie Travis series of murder mysteries based on school teacher Melanie Travis who owns and shows full size pedigree Standard Poodles. She is a winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, four time winner of the Maxwell Award, presented by the Dog Writers Association of America and an Agatha and Macavity Nominee.
Laurien and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky surrounded by her beloved dogs and horses. - Nationality
- USA
- Places of residence
- Kentucky, USA
Georgia, USA - Disambiguation notice
- Laurien Berenson also wrote as Laurien Blair.
- Associated Place (for map)
- USA
Members
Reviews
Pup Fiction by Laurien Berenson is the 27th A Melanie Travis Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to this engaging cozy mystery series. I could not wait to get my hands on Pup Fiction. I enjoy following the harried Melanie Travis on her adventures. Melanie Travis is a busy wife and mother with a summer free of work. Melanie is hoping for a relaxing summer, but it does not take long to discover that will not be happening. In addition to incidents happening at the school show more camp, Davey is busy trying to get the final points for Aunt Peg’s Standard Poodle, Coral whom he is handling. He needs two “majors” to finish off Coral’s competition days. I like the characters in this series which include Melanie’s kind husband Sam, Kevin, Davey, Faith (Melanie’s faithful companion), and the formidable Aunt Peg. I wish I had a fifth of Aunt Peg’s energy. The whodunit was crafty and thought out. It was clever how the Dalmatians were interlaced into the mystery. There are several suspects, subtle clues, and misdirection. I had fun solving this whodunit. I loved all the action which kept the story rapidly moving toward the conclusion. The family sections are some of my favorites. This is a character driven story with Melanie’s family at the heart of it. There are great family interactions that include their dogs. Faith is such a sweetheart while Bud is so mischievous. You never know what is going to happen next in their home. I enjoyed reading this entertaining cozy mystery and I cannot wait for the next tale. Pup Fiction is a boisterous cozy mystery with adorable Dalmatians, pushy Aunt Peg, a faithful friend, a close competition, a towering topknot, camp chaos, and one prying parent. show less
Melanie Travis is looking forward to spring break, where she can enjoy her family: her youngest son, Kevin, is waiting for the Easter bunny, and her husband Sam is training his Standard Poodle pup Plum for her first time in the show ring. She thinks everything is going well -- at least until her Aunt Peg arrives and tells her she needs to call her Aunt Rose.
It seems Aunt Rose, who is an ex-nun, and her husband Peter, an ex-priest, have returned from a sojourn in Honduras and have now taken show more residence in Gallagher House, a women's shelter that has recently opened. Rose, who isn't fond of dogs in the least, and hasn't warmed up to Melanie ever, needs Melanie to organize an Easter egg hunt for the three children in the home. Melanie, ever soft of heart herself, agrees to the task. But no sooner does that occur when she discovers that the home's benefactor, Beatrice Gallagher, has died from a fall in her own home.
It's a tangled web indeed. Gallagher House is the former home of Beatrice, and the children -- Charlie and Charise, want it back. Then there's the little case of Rose being a suspect -- which Melanie refuses to believe -- and it tumbles from there. When Rose asks for her help, Melanie can't refuse. But where does one start when one has no clue? And who would want the woman dead? Finding a killer might not be what Melanie planned to do on her break, but it's what she's doing -- and she needs to figure it out before the last egg is dyed, or Rose won't have a home to go to...
In this latest installment of the series, Melanie has her hands full with planning Easter egg hunts for both her own children and the children of battered women. It's keeping her busier than she expected, but Melanie has never backed down from someone wanting help.
Since I came late to the series, I've never met (nor heard of) Rose; and since Rose is Aunt Peg's sister-in-law, the sister of Rose's late husband Max, then it must be that Peg is an aunt by marriage. This I never knew. Otherwise, Rose wouldn't be Melanie's aunt at all. It confused me for only a moment, but it makes some things clearer. I do like Rose's no-nonsense attitude, but it would be nice to see her soften toward Melanie. The woman already has to deal with sensible Aunt Peg; she should get affection from one of them, at least!
But the story line was very good, and written very well. Melanie does what she does best; asking questions and putting clues together. Even if the local detective doesn't listen to what she says, (or already has the information), she plunges forward, vowing to find the truth of the matter. I like the fact that she doesn't run willy-nilly into a bad situation, and can think on her feet. It makes her likable indeed. I also enjoy the fact that she has a happy home life, with a loving husband who understands her and two growing boys who adore her. It makes it all pleasant reading.
When the murderer is revealed, it's a sad situation all around. Things come to a head in the most surprising way, and it all wraps up nicely. The book was easy to read, a nice cozy for a cold evening with a cup of tea or cocoa. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review. show less
It seems Aunt Rose, who is an ex-nun, and her husband Peter, an ex-priest, have returned from a sojourn in Honduras and have now taken show more residence in Gallagher House, a women's shelter that has recently opened. Rose, who isn't fond of dogs in the least, and hasn't warmed up to Melanie ever, needs Melanie to organize an Easter egg hunt for the three children in the home. Melanie, ever soft of heart herself, agrees to the task. But no sooner does that occur when she discovers that the home's benefactor, Beatrice Gallagher, has died from a fall in her own home.
It's a tangled web indeed. Gallagher House is the former home of Beatrice, and the children -- Charlie and Charise, want it back. Then there's the little case of Rose being a suspect -- which Melanie refuses to believe -- and it tumbles from there. When Rose asks for her help, Melanie can't refuse. But where does one start when one has no clue? And who would want the woman dead? Finding a killer might not be what Melanie planned to do on her break, but it's what she's doing -- and she needs to figure it out before the last egg is dyed, or Rose won't have a home to go to...
In this latest installment of the series, Melanie has her hands full with planning Easter egg hunts for both her own children and the children of battered women. It's keeping her busier than she expected, but Melanie has never backed down from someone wanting help.
Since I came late to the series, I've never met (nor heard of) Rose; and since Rose is Aunt Peg's sister-in-law, the sister of Rose's late husband Max, then it must be that Peg is an aunt by marriage. This I never knew. Otherwise, Rose wouldn't be Melanie's aunt at all. It confused me for only a moment, but it makes some things clearer. I do like Rose's no-nonsense attitude, but it would be nice to see her soften toward Melanie. The woman already has to deal with sensible Aunt Peg; she should get affection from one of them, at least!
But the story line was very good, and written very well. Melanie does what she does best; asking questions and putting clues together. Even if the local detective doesn't listen to what she says, (or already has the information), she plunges forward, vowing to find the truth of the matter. I like the fact that she doesn't run willy-nilly into a bad situation, and can think on her feet. It makes her likable indeed. I also enjoy the fact that she has a happy home life, with a loving husband who understands her and two growing boys who adore her. It makes it all pleasant reading.
When the murderer is revealed, it's a sad situation all around. Things come to a head in the most surprising way, and it all wraps up nicely. The book was easy to read, a nice cozy for a cold evening with a cup of tea or cocoa. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review. show less
Peg and Rose Solve a Murder: A Charming and Humorous Cozy Mystery (A Senior Sleuths Mystery Book 1) by Laurien Berenson
Peg and Rose are sisters in law. We all know that can be a tough relationship to navigate, as is, but in their case, they’ve had some significantly unpleasant interactions in the past, from which they are trying to heal and move forward. One of the steps they take to move forward is to start attending a bridge club together.
They’re slowly working on becoming closer when they find themselves becoming the murder suspects to the murder of one of the eminent members of their bridge club. show more Now they must either come together to catch the killer and exonerate themselves, or face life in prison together. Which will it be?
I honestly did not expect these characters to be written and fleshed out as fantastically as they were. Peg and Rose are NOT easy to fall in love with, and yet you will fall in love with them. They are honest, real, flawed and yet endearing characters who you’ll find yourselves deeply invested in. I truly did not believe I would enjoy this cozy as much as I did! I think I’m hooked onto Laurie’s Berenson’s writing and will be checking out her series now, for sure!!! show less
They’re slowly working on becoming closer when they find themselves becoming the murder suspects to the murder of one of the eminent members of their bridge club. show more Now they must either come together to catch the killer and exonerate themselves, or face life in prison together. Which will it be?
I honestly did not expect these characters to be written and fleshed out as fantastically as they were. Peg and Rose are NOT easy to fall in love with, and yet you will fall in love with them. They are honest, real, flawed and yet endearing characters who you’ll find yourselves deeply invested in. I truly did not believe I would enjoy this cozy as much as I did! I think I’m hooked onto Laurie’s Berenson’s writing and will be checking out her series now, for sure!!! show less
Melanie Travis -- teacher, single parent, and proud owner of Faith, a rambunctious Standard Poodle pup -- just can't escape the chic show circuits of Fairfield County dog fanciers. Now, Laurien Berenson sends her irrepressible heroine on a third irresistible outing into the inner circles of an elite Connecticut kennel club, where shocking secrets gnaw at the best of the breed and competition has a sharp -- and deadly -- bite.
As if raising her son Davey, training her poodle pub for the show show more ring, and grooming fellow handler Sam Driver for romance aren't enough, Melanie's Aunt Peg is pushing her to join the exclusive Belle Haven Kennel Club. But the contentious group barely managed to disagree on this year's trophies when money turns up missing -- and one of the members turns up in the restaurant's parking lot -- dead. The only witnesses to the crime were the dead woman's startled pair of Beagles -- and they aren't talking. Unfortunately, neither is anyone else.
Melanie hadn't intended to do any serious snooping, what with coping with the unexpected arrival of her ex-husband out to get joint custody of the son he's never known. In need of some serious distraction, she's off at more than a dogtrot to sniff out dangerous secrets... only to discover that everyone at Belle Haven has something damning to hide.
As the truth about forged pedigrees and illegal show practices comes to light -- and her own domestic drama moves center stage -- Melanie finds herself moving closer to a dogged killer who's desperate enough to strike again. Melanie Travis book 3 show less
As if raising her son Davey, training her poodle pub for the show show more ring, and grooming fellow handler Sam Driver for romance aren't enough, Melanie's Aunt Peg is pushing her to join the exclusive Belle Haven Kennel Club. But the contentious group barely managed to disagree on this year's trophies when money turns up missing -- and one of the members turns up in the restaurant's parking lot -- dead. The only witnesses to the crime were the dead woman's startled pair of Beagles -- and they aren't talking. Unfortunately, neither is anyone else.
Melanie hadn't intended to do any serious snooping, what with coping with the unexpected arrival of her ex-husband out to get joint custody of the son he's never known. In need of some serious distraction, she's off at more than a dogtrot to sniff out dangerous secrets... only to discover that everyone at Belle Haven has something damning to hide.
As the truth about forged pedigrees and illegal show practices comes to light -- and her own domestic drama moves center stage -- Melanie finds herself moving closer to a dogged killer who's desperate enough to strike again. Melanie Travis book 3 show less
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